annex Prinsengracht 263

Amsterdam, NL

annex Prinsengracht 263
annex Prinsengracht 263
Location
Amsterdam, NL
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
52.37524, 4.88428
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Located at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House stands as a profoundly significant historical site, preserving the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. This canal-side house, originally a business premises, contains the 'Secret Annex' (Achterhuis) where eight individuals lived in concealment for over two years. Visitors come to this iconic bucket-list destination to gain a direct, visceral understanding of the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust and the extraordinary resilience of those who endured it. The museum meticulously reconstructs the conditions of their confinement, displaying original artifacts, documents, and Anne Frank's renowned diary. Exploring the sparse rooms and the famous movable bookcase that concealed the entrance offers a powerful, immersive experience. It is one of the most impactful places to visit in Amsterdam, offering a somber yet vital educational journey into a pivotal period of human history.

General information

Located at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House stands as a profoundly significant historical site, preserving the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. This canal-side house, originally a business premises, contains the 'Secret Annex' (Achterhuis) where eight individuals lived in concealment for over two years. Visitors come to this iconic bucket-list destination to gain a direct, visceral understanding of the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust and the extraordinary resilience of those who endured it. The museum meticulously reconstructs the conditions of their confinement, displaying original artifacts, documents, and Anne Frank's renowned diary. Exploring the sparse rooms and the famous movable bookcase that concealed the entrance offers a powerful, immersive experience. It is one of the most impactful places to visit in Amsterdam, offering a somber yet vital educational journey into a pivotal period of human history.

Did you know

  • The entrance to the Secret Annex was concealed behind a movable bookcase, installed in August 1942.
  • Eight people ultimately hid in the annex: Otto, Edith, Margot, and Anne Frank; Hermann, Auguste, and Peter van Pels; and Fritz Pfeffer.
  • Anne Frank's original diary, written on checkered notebooks and loose sheets, is preserved and displayed within the museum.
  • The Anne Frank House was saved from demolition in the late 1950s by public outcry and established as a museum in 1960.

History

The building at Prinsengracht 263 was constructed in 1635. In 1940, Otto Frank, Anne's father, moved his Opekta company into the premises. Following the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands and escalating persecution of Jews, the Frank family, along with four other individuals, went into hiding in the 'Secret Annex' (Achterhuis) of this building on July 6, 1942. They remained concealed there for 25 months, aided by Otto Frank's employees. On August 4, 1944, the hiding place was discovered, and all eight occupants were arrested and deported to concentration camps. Otto Frank was the sole survivor. Upon his return to Amsterdam, he received Anne's diary, which was subsequently published in 1947. The Anne Frank House opened as a museum in 1960.

Cultural significance

The Anne Frank House holds immense cultural significance as a global symbol of the human cost of prejudice and war, and the enduring power of hope and resilience. Anne Frank's diary, 'The Diary of a Young Girl,' translated into over 70 languages, has become one of the most widely read books in the world, offering a deeply personal perspective on the Holocaust. The house itself serves as a tangible memorial, allowing visitors to connect directly with the physical space of confinement and fear, fostering empathy and understanding. It stands as a crucial educational institution, promoting human rights, combating antisemitism, and encouraging reflection on themes of discrimination and freedom, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.

Geography and landscape

The Anne Frank House is situated on the Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam's iconic main canals, forming part of the city's historic canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building itself is a typical 17th-century canal house, characterized by its narrow, tall structure. The 'Secret Annex' is located at the rear of the property, behind the main, visible office and warehouse space. This design, common for merchant houses of the period, allowed the annex to be completely concealed from the street. The immediate surroundings are urban, with other historic canal houses, businesses, and the Westerkerk tower providing a distinct Amsterdam backdrop, contrasting sharply with the hidden, confined world within the annex.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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